Sea Turtle

There are seven types of sea turtles,

distinguished by varying anatomical

aspects. These turtles play a key role in

2 ecosystems that are critical to humans.

Green Sea Turtles are responsible for

keeping sea grass short in order for the

grass to remain healthy. Healthy sea grass

is essential breeding and developing areas

for many species of fish and other marine

life. When their eggs hatch on the shorelines, the protein nutrients enrich the soil promoting vegetation growth and help protect against beach erosion.

Marine Turtles have outlived almost all of the pre-historic animals that once roamed our planet. Turtles crawl ashore to nest around the globe and risk survival from habitat destruction, fisheries’ bycatch, entrapment in shrimp nets, hunting for meat and eggs, pollution, boat strikes, and predators. It’s no wonder that, today, 3 of the 7 existing species are endangered with extinction and the others are unknown. Endangered wildlife projects and expertise in the areas of government and science, are critical to animal conservation.

Click here to see adopted turtles swimming off the coast of Florida.

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Adult Loggerhead sea turtles can grow to more than 3 ft. in length and weigh between 250-400 lbs. Female Loggerhead sea turtles emerge at night to lay 40-180 leathery, ping-pong ball sized eggs and usually nest 2 or 3 times in a single season. The incubation period is approximately 56 days. The sea turtle hatchlings emerge from the sand after dark and head to the water searching for food and begin their struggle to survive.

Sea turtle nesting began May 1, on Sanibel, Fl beaches. Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation volunteers marked the nest where about 50 turtle eggs where laid.

May to October…Remember:

1, Do not litter on the beaches. Trash causes turtle injuries and death.

2. Leave the nesting areas alone. It is a Federal offense to disturb the area.

3. Keep dogs on a leash and away from nests.

4. Turn off any light that faces the water at night. Lights will confuse nesting females and the hatchlings as they travel to the water using the light of the horizon.

5. Remove beach furniture and toys from the beach before sunset.

Photos by Animal Sunshine.

WWF is tracking Sea Turtles